Get Equipped: SteriPEN

You don't have to lug gallons of water on your backpacking trip. Just find a portable purifier like SteriPEN's Adventurer Opti, a lightweight device that uses ultraviolet light to purify water.

Perfect for when you're camping in the woods or traveling in another country, you can insert the device into any water bottle or container to ensure safe drinking water. It exceeds U.S. EPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers, destroying more than 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses and protozoa when used as directed.

Operation is easy: Just press a button and wait for the device to indicate it has completed the purification process. It can be used in glass, metal, ceramic or plastic containers with a minimum 1.75-inch diameter opening. The optical sensor can also double as a flashlight.

SteriPEN Adventurer Opti weighs 3.6 ounces. It includes a UV lamp (good for up to 8,000 treatments), two nonrechargeable batteries and a neoprene case with belt loop. Price is $89.95. The device can be purchased online at SteriPEN's website, www.steripen.com. The website also includes a listing of local retailers.